University of Minnesota Athletics
Outside the Paint with Carlie Wagner
1/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 5, 2016 
Sophomore Carlie Wagner has taken on an even bigger role this season than when she burst onto the scene as a Big Ten All-Freshman guard last year. One of the team's leading scorers, the New Richland, Minn., native is also doing her part in the rebounding aspect of the game.
Your scoring average has gone up from last year. What are some factors, either things you've improved or things about the team, that you think have led to that?
I think just us being more guard-oriented this year and having more of a guard lineup has helped. And just having maturity this year and having a year under my belt has helped me as well.
How do you stay fresh between games while playing so many minutes this season?
I try to sleep as much as possible. Do ice tub. or hot tub together to contrast. NormaTec (massage recovery system using compressed air). Anything to help my legs recover after a long game.
Everyone talks about this team's guards stepping up on the boards. Do you enjoy that challenge of battling for rebounds?
Yeah, I do. I like being able to have guards go in there and outrebound post players on the other team. Rebounding's just fun, because it's physical and it comes down to who wants it more. When you get the rebound, you know that you wanted it more than that other girl.
Does having older brothers help?
I think so. I had plenty of times of getting pushed down and knocked around.
After being in the weightlifting program at the U for a year-plus now, do you think you could give your brothers a run for their money in the strength department now?
Maybe my brother Alex, but not Danny. Danny's like a power lifter with arms the size of my legs. Maybe not him, but Alex maybe.
You got a few days off after the North Dakota game. What was the best part of the holiday season?
Just being with family. It's so weird how when you get older it changes. When you're younger, it's like, "Presents! Yay!" Now when you're older, it's like, "I get to go home and hang with my family!"
How does it feel to have a break between semesters when you can focus on basketball and rest up for spring classes?
It's so nice. It saves a lot of energy, saves a lot of time. A lot more nap time. It's really nice to be able to focus on basketball and not be stressed about other things and be able to put all your energy into basketball.
What else do you with all the extra time you have during break?
I talk to my family, see my family more. I hang out with my boyfriend, Jacques, a lot. Just trying to find things I can do that I can't do normally when we're really busy with school. Like going out to eat or going shopping. Anything along those lines.
How exciting is it to be starting your second Big Ten season?
It's exciting having a year under the belt in the Big Ten and understanding what it's going to be like instead of coming in blind. I'm really excited for it. We look really good this year and have a tough lineup. I think it's going to be a fun Big Ten season.
What message would you like to give to all the people at this game, or any of your games, who come from the New Richland area to watch you?
I'd like to say thank you for all the support. They come up through everything to watch me play, and they don't understand how much I really appreciate them coming up all the time. I try to talk to them after games. I'm sorry if I don't get to talk to you because I'm talking to a lot of people, and trying to get home if it's a late game. But I really appreciate it, so thanks.
Your scoring average has gone up from last year. What are some factors, either things you've improved or things about the team, that you think have led to that?
I think just us being more guard-oriented this year and having more of a guard lineup has helped. And just having maturity this year and having a year under my belt has helped me as well.
How do you stay fresh between games while playing so many minutes this season?
I try to sleep as much as possible. Do ice tub. or hot tub together to contrast. NormaTec (massage recovery system using compressed air). Anything to help my legs recover after a long game.
Everyone talks about this team's guards stepping up on the boards. Do you enjoy that challenge of battling for rebounds?
Yeah, I do. I like being able to have guards go in there and outrebound post players on the other team. Rebounding's just fun, because it's physical and it comes down to who wants it more. When you get the rebound, you know that you wanted it more than that other girl.
Does having older brothers help?
I think so. I had plenty of times of getting pushed down and knocked around.
After being in the weightlifting program at the U for a year-plus now, do you think you could give your brothers a run for their money in the strength department now?
Maybe my brother Alex, but not Danny. Danny's like a power lifter with arms the size of my legs. Maybe not him, but Alex maybe.
You got a few days off after the North Dakota game. What was the best part of the holiday season?
Just being with family. It's so weird how when you get older it changes. When you're younger, it's like, "Presents! Yay!" Now when you're older, it's like, "I get to go home and hang with my family!"
How does it feel to have a break between semesters when you can focus on basketball and rest up for spring classes?
It's so nice. It saves a lot of energy, saves a lot of time. A lot more nap time. It's really nice to be able to focus on basketball and not be stressed about other things and be able to put all your energy into basketball.
What else do you with all the extra time you have during break?
I talk to my family, see my family more. I hang out with my boyfriend, Jacques, a lot. Just trying to find things I can do that I can't do normally when we're really busy with school. Like going out to eat or going shopping. Anything along those lines.
How exciting is it to be starting your second Big Ten season?
It's exciting having a year under the belt in the Big Ten and understanding what it's going to be like instead of coming in blind. I'm really excited for it. We look really good this year and have a tough lineup. I think it's going to be a fun Big Ten season.
What message would you like to give to all the people at this game, or any of your games, who come from the New Richland area to watch you?
I'd like to say thank you for all the support. They come up through everything to watch me play, and they don't understand how much I really appreciate them coming up all the time. I try to talk to them after games. I'm sorry if I don't get to talk to you because I'm talking to a lot of people, and trying to get home if it's a late game. But I really appreciate it, so thanks.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballHighlights: Gophers 55, Ohio State 60
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